Celebrating a Lifetime of Achievement: Julie Reaches 60 Years
On 11 February our lovely receptionist and typist, Julie, celebrated her 60th birthday. As part of the celebrations, we have done a little Q&A with Julie.
How long have you worked for Chancellor Financial?
I have been with the company for nearly six years now, and I have worked with Posy, Dave Heaton and Grant previously.
What is the best thing about working for Chancellor Financial?
It’s the people. I treat everyone at work as if they are my friends.
Tell us about how you got into your line of work.
My mother gave me advice when I was younger: “Learn how to type and you will never be out of work.” So I did. I started my career at an estate agency as an office junior but over time worked for various agencies in Bolton and finally became an office manager, which involved carrying out viewings on properties we had for sale and valuing/marketing new properties.
It was at a time that the property market was booming and I was an original “yuppie” with a Filofax, brick mobile phone and a BMW!
However, since having a child, I found that the hours associated with this line of work were too long, so I went back into secretarial/reception work.
Some years later, my husband, who was an electrician by trade, was given the opportunity to take over a fire and flood restoration building company, so I went to work alongside him in the building company.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
Hairdresser, I always wanted to be a hairdresser. I remember putting ribbons in my dad’s hair when I was younger!
What have been some of the happiest moments in your life?
Getting married in Antigua. It was a new thing back then, staying in an all-inclusive resort to get married. Also, obviously, having a child and also becoming a Grandma to my lovely grandson, Arthur.
What are you proudest of?
The company that I ran alongside my late husband, Arnold. It was quite successful and gave us a good lifestyle and the opportunity to travel which we both enjoyed.
What would your friends and family say about you?
My Grandad used to say I was the life and soul of the party. I would like to think that my friends would say I am a nice person who would help anyone.
If you had a chance to sit at a table with three celebrities past or present, who would it be and why?
The first one would have to be Pete Wicks, I recently found a new admiration for him when I watched a program he presented, For Dogs’ Sake. In my opinion, any man who clearly loves dogs and animals as much as he does can’t be bad!
Then I would have to go with Princess Diana, I always admired her, she came across as a lovely, kind person, beautiful inside and out. The last one would be George Michael, he was such a talented song writer and artist. I remember many teenage years listening to Wham! in my bedroom and holidays in Ibiza with their music being played in almost every bar we went into.
What is your favourite movie/TV series and why?
My favourite film is The Thorn Birds, I cry every time I watch it. With regards to my favourite series, I’m afraid to say, I’m a big fan of The Real Housewives and Married at First Sight.
What is the best place you have travelled to and why?
Dubai – the hotels and services is amazing. Very glamourous although I have been on quite a few cruises in the past and this is possibly something I would like to do again in the future.
Is there anywhere where you would like to travel to but not been yet?
I would love to visit Ko Samui in Thailand. We nearly travelled there 30 years ago, but I fell pregnant with my son so we didn’t quite make it unfortunately.
On behalf of Chancellor Financial, on this special day, we wish Julie lots of love, happiness, and continued success in all her endeavours. May your 60th year be the beginning of a new chapter, filled with adventure, creativity, and joy.
